Belleisle Class Pre Dreadnought battleships. History of the HMS Belleisle and HMS Orion. Designed by Ahmed Pasha for Turkey and named Peki-Shereek (HMS Belleile) and Boordhi-Zaffer (HMS Orion).  But due to the problems in the region with Russia they were purchased by the royal navy. they were of little use to the navy as they had been designed as armoured rams and with poor range and sea going qualities. as they were built with the Eastern Mediterranean in mind.  they were initially re classified as second class battleships but later classed as Coastal defence ships.  

HMS Belleisle was built by Samuda, Poplar and laid down in 1874, launched 12th February 1876 and completed 19th July 1878.  served with he royal navy  until 1900 when she became a target until 1903. and finally scrapped in 1904.

HMS Orion was built by Samuda, Poplar and laid down in 1876, launched 23rd JANUARY 1879  and completed 3RD July 1882.  served with he royal navy  and in 1902 moved to Harbour services and i 1909 renamed Orontes. finally scrapped in 1913

HMS Belleisle

HMS Belleisle after being used for Target Practice in May 1900.

HMS Belleisle, 1878.

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HMS Belleisle's Battery & Upper Deck

HMS Belleisle after being used for Target Practice in May 1900.

HMS Orion

HMS Orion, 1882.

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